"bathukamma-festival"

Two women died during Bathukamma finale celebrations in Nirmal district. Bhagyalakshmi (56) collapsed due to suspected cardiac arrest amid loud music in Nirmal town, while Rushitha (25), a newlywed, died earlier the same day in Bhainsa mandal

A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Telangana as the Congress government struggles to clear salaries, pensions, and contractor dues. The distress has led to suicides, protests, and widespread despair, even overshadowing the Bathukamma festival.

Saddula Bathukamma was celebrated with traditional fervour across Karimnagar and Rajanna-Sircilla districts. While the festival is typically observed on the ninth day of Engilipula Bathukamma, towns like Vemulawada continue celebrations for seven days.

BRS leaders Dasoju Shravan and Mutha Gopal criticised the Congress government for sidelining Bathukamma celebrations and neglecting women’s welfare and civic infrastructure in Hyderabad. They praised former CM KCR for elevating Bathukamma as a symbol of Telangana pride and condemned recent changes to the Telangana Thalli statue.

BRS MLA T Harish Rao condemned the arrest of Anganwadi staff protesting in Hyderabad for the Congress government’s unfulfilled promises. He criticised Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for failing to deliver salary hikes and benefits promised under the Abhayahastam Declaration

Residents and walkers in Sanathnagar are alarmed by the worsening condition of the lake at KLN Park, which has become choked with algae and floating waste following heavy rains. The foul smell is affecting over 1,200 daily visitors and raising concerns ahead of the Bathukamma festival.

Karimnagar witnessed vibrant celebrations on Sunday as Engilipula Bathukamma marked the beginning of the nine-day floral festival. Women and girls dressed in festive attire gathered in localities to sing traditional songs and immerse flower arrangements in nearby water bodies. Local bodies ensured smooth conduct by cleaning venues and providing basic amenities.

As Bathukamma celebrations begin across Hyderabad, concerns have emerged over the poor condition of several lakes and ponds, which remain littered and choked with hyacinth and algal bloom. Despite GHMC’s claims of preparing over 384 water bodies and deploying sanitation staff, parks like Krishna Kanth continue to draw complaints from visitors.

On the occasion of Bathukamma, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy greeted women across Telangana, highlighting the festival’s cultural and spiritual significance. He praised the celebration of nature through flowers and prayed to deity Gouramma for the well-being of the people.

BRS MLA T Harish Rao launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Telangana government, accusing it of dismantling the Panchayat Raj system and neglecting rural development. He also criticised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for being disconnected from ground realities.

Women in Mukhra (K) village of Adilabad district celebrated Bathukamma as a form of protest against the Congress government, accusing it of failing to implement six poll guarantees. They sang songs recalling the promises and demanded immediate action

The Enforcement Directorate attached Rs. 4.8 crore worth properties of Mohd Munawar Khan and his wife Faiqa Taha Khan in a money laundering probe into the illegal sale of government and Bhoodan lands. The scam allegedly earned Rs. 6.45 crore

The deceased were identified as Raju (20) and Anvesh (18).

Be it River Musi oustees or those opposing land acquisition for pharma villages, women while being worried about their houses and lands, sang Bathukamma songs, albeit in a different tone and with new lyrics

BRS chief lauds the festival's vibrant celebrations, noting the joyful participation of women and children across the State for nine days

The Bathukamma celebrations in Cincinnati on Saturday, saw participation from 350 Telugu speaking persons, who turned-up with their near and dear ones.

BRS working president KT Rama Rao raised several questions, expressing disappointment and frustration over the stand of the government on the Bathukamma celebrations.

Women from all age groups, dressed in their best, worshiped the idols made of flowers by joyfully clapping and rhythmically dancing around the deity

BRS working president KT Rama Rao and senior MLA T Harish Rao extended warm wishes to the people of Telangana marking the commencement of the Bathukamma festivities

In a statement, Chandrashekhar Rao observed that the Bathukamma festival has been identified as a symbol of women's unity for several generation in Telangana.